Ravi Zacharias: No Replies to Letters, Questionnaire
by Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
March 11, 2005
On November 14, 2004, noted Christian apologist and philosopher, Ravi Zacharias, delivered a speech to a mixed crowd of Christians and Mormons at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. But before he took his turn at the podium, Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, caused a firestorm of controversy within many apologetic/cult-evangelistic ministries worldwide, when he took it upon himself to:
apologize to Mormons for the "Evangelicals" who "have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints."
state, "Let me state it clearly. We evangelicals have sinned against you" and added that "both camps have tended to marginalize and simplify the others' beliefs."
imply that Christians have bore "false witness" against Mormons.
hope that "...many in the evangelical community will take part in" the "200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's birthday next December" and "several scholarly events planned to celebrate during the coming year" as well.
In a moment of time, Mouw patronized the leadership and members of one of the largest cults on the planet, and did so at the expense of dedicated Christians and former Mormons worldwide. Although Mormonism makes "gods" of men, denies the deity of Christ, virgin birth, Trinity, salvation by grace alone and blasphemes the God of the Bible, not one of the thousands of Christians listening to Mouw--including Ravi Zacharias--stood-up and confronted him either during or immediately after his speech.
While Mouw eventually provided replies to those disturbed by his statements, Zacharias has chosen not to reply to letters and a questionnaire from concerned Christians within the field of apologetics and cult evangelism.
First attempt to contact Zacharias
After a careful evaluation of the available information leading up to and immediately after Zacharias' speech, on November 20, 2004, Bud Press, Director of Christi